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Rooney makes light of boxing controversy with 'knockout' celebration

After footage of him boxing hit the headlines on Sunday, Wayne Rooney followed a goal against Tottenham with a knockout celebration.

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AFP

Written ByChristopher Devine

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Wayne Rooney came up with an attention-grabbing punchline on
Sunday, marking a goal for Manchester United against Tottenham with
a boxing-themed celebration after a video of him appearing to be
floored by a punch had hit the headlines.

Earlier in the day, footage had emerged of Rooney going to
ground in dramatic fashion, having apparently been struck by fellow
Premier League player and former United team-mate Phil Bardsley
during a mock boxing bout at the England captain's home.

The video, obtained by The Sun on Sunday and said to have been
filmed last month, led to Rooney receiving criticism in certain
quarters.

Yet the 29-year-old forward made light of events after firing
United into a 3-0 lead during the first half of Sunday's Premier
League game at Old Trafford.

After beating Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Rooney mimicked
throwing several punches, before collapsing to the floor as he had
in the footage of his sparring with Stoke full-back Bardsley.

Rooney's actions were a hit on social media, with former United
defender Phil Neville tweeting: "Great celebration - puts an end to
that story!!"

Ex-England and United striker Michael Owen labelled the fall as
the "best celebration ever", while boxer Paul Smith - a close
friend of Rooney - tweeted: "Hahahaha. You all KNEW that was
coming. Boss! #Rooney."